On 9 September 2013, crisis broke out in Zamboanga, with rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) advancing on the city. The ensuing fighting between the MNLF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, resulted in the occupation and subsequent evacuation of several of the city’s neighbourhoods, with limited movement in and out of those neighbourhoods. The three weeks of violence that followed becameknown as the Zamboanga Siege.World Vision mobilised to send emergency assistance to the city. Amores quickly mobilised as World Vision’s response partner and began sending World Vision regular updates about the situation. They helped to facilitate rapid distribution and coordination of assistance, and liaised with local crisis management personnel. Amores also engaged in peacebuilding and reconciliation work by, for example, pleading with their neighbours and congregants not to join rebel groups and encouraged dialogue throughout the crisis.

World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF), formerly known as World Vision Philippines, sees its pre-existing relationship with Amores as a key to its successresponding to the urgent humanitarian needs of civilians affected by the siege, and promoting social cohesion and a return to stability in the months following the crisis.

This paper seeks to analyse the role of Amores and World Vision in the 2013 response and in subsequent social cohesion work.